Memphis Safe Task Force Friday Update: Ongoing Manhunt for MPD Shooting Suspect

Memphis, TN – A manhunt is underway following the Thursday night shooting of a Memphis police officer during a traffic stop.

Danell Maxwell, 40, of Memphis, is wanted on an attempted first-degree murder arrest warrant issued today. Maxwell has been added to the Tennessee Most Wanted list, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to his capture. Anyone with information is asked to call the Memphis Police Department (MPD) at (901) 528-2274 or the TBI at 1 (800) TBI-FIND.

The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) on Thursday executed 34 criminal arrests and recovered six illegal firearms.

Of note: 

Tatyana Taylor, 26, was arrested in the 4200 block of Macon Road on a warrant for reckless homicide, stemming from the accidental shooting death of a 2-year-old boy in 2022 in Memphis.

Arnel Holmes, 23, was arrested in the 10300 block of Macon Road in Cordova on a warrant for first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony. Holmes was wanted for the Dec. 2, 2023, murder of Emmijal Bevill.

Nacarious Temple, 24, was arrested in the 7000 block of Brady Hill Drive in Cordova for marijuana distribution and possession of prohibited firearms. This arrest resulted in the seizure of two 9 mm handguns, two semi-automatic rifles, a .40-caliber handgun, and 4.5 pounds of marijuana.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 6,577 arrests, including 37 for homicide, 723 for controlled substances, 568 for firearms violations, and 91 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 189 have been juveniles. The task force has seized 1,068 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

Begun in September 2025, the Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency initiative to combat violent crime in Memphis. Composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, the task force is focused on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 148 missing children.

This operation reflects the Memphis Safe Task Force’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.